Classroom language and reading trial shows promising results
Speaking at an international scientific conference in Rome, researchers from Down Syndrome Education International and the University of York today reported positive initial results from a landmark study of a targeted language and reading programme designed for children with Down syndrome.Down Syndrome Education International today reported promising initial findings from the first large controlled trial of a educational intervention for children with Down syndrome.
The research team today presented their findings during a symposium on reading at the 3rd European Regional Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities.
Significant gains on language and reading measures
Dr Kelly Burgoyne, the psychologist leading the study at Down Syndrome Education International, reported that the children in the study made significantly better progress after only 20 weeks of teaching using the specialist programme, when compared to children with Down syndrome receiving ordinary classroom instruction.Dr Burgoyne commented: "This is exciting because it shows that the programme can be effective in a short period of time. We will now continue to follow the children to see if they make further gains."
